Beauty ingredient research

Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.

20769

Reviewed ingredients

524

Low-concern standouts

2884

Need usage caution

Showing 60 of 20,769
AllUV absorberUV filterabrasiveabsorbentacne treatmentactiveactive ingredientadhesivealkalizing agentamino acidanti-aginganti-androgenanti-cavityanti-cavity agentanti-inflammatoryanti-irritantanticariesanticavity agentantidandruffantifungalantimicrobialantioxidantantiperspirantantiplaqueastringentbarrier repairbarrier supportbarrier-repairbarrier-supportbinderbinding agentbiotechbiotechnologybond-builderbotanicalbotanical extractbotanical oilbotanical waterbrighteningbrightening agentbufferbuffering agentcell-communicating ingredientceramidechelating agentchemicalchemical intermediateclaycleansercleansingcleansing agentcolorantconditionerconditioningconditioning agentcooling agentcosmeticcosmetic additivecosmetic colorantcosmetic ingredientcosmetic pigmentcosmetic powdercosmetic-texturizercosmetic-waxcosmeticscrosslinking agentdelivery agentdelivery systemdenaturantdeodorantdeodorant agentdepigmenting agentdepilatorydepilatory agentdesensitizing agentdyedye intermediatedye precursordye-intermediateemollientemulsifierenzymeessential oilexfoliantexperimentaleyelashfermentfilm formerfilm-formerfilm-formingfilm-forming agentfirming agentfixativeflavoring agentformulationfragrancefragrance ingredientfunctional ingredientgashair carehair colorhair coloranthair conditionerhair dyehair removalhair-carehair-colorhaircarehumectantindustrialinsecticideintermediatelashlash carelash enhancerlash-and-browlip carelipidmakeupmarine extractmasking agentmicrobiomemicrobiome modulatormineralmoisturizernail carenail-careocclusiveoilopacifieropacifying agentoptical agentoral careotheroxidative dyeoxidative dye precursoroxidizing agentpH adjusterpain reliefpenetration enhancerpeptidepersonal careph adjusterpharmaceuticalpheromonepigmentplant oilplasticizerpolymerpolymer precursorprebioticprescription-drugpreservativepreservative boosterprobioticprocessing agentprocessing aidpropellantproteinpurifyingreducing agentretinoidscalp caresebum regulatorsebum-regulatorself-tannerself-tanningsensory additivesensory agentsensory modifiersiliconeskin barrierskin barrier supportskin conditionerskin conditioningskin conditioning agentskin lighteningskin protectantskin-conditioningskin-conditioning agentskin-identicalskin-identical ingredientskin-lighteningskin-lightening agentskincaresolventsoothingsoothing agentstabilizerstimulantsunscreensurfactantsyntheticsynthetic colorantsynthetic dyesynthetic resinsynthetic-coloranttexture enhancertexturizerthickenertoneruv-absorberuv-filtervasoactivevasodilatorviscosity controlviscosity controllingviscosity controlling agentvitaminwax

Soothing agent

Pyricarbate

Pyricarbate

3.8

A gentle, vitamin B6-inspired ingredient that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

4.0

A gentle, emerging exfoliant that may brighten skin and improve texture with less irritation than traditional acids.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

PYRIDOXAL 5-PHOSPHATE

4.0

A gentle, active form of vitamin B6 that helps calm skin and strengthen the moisture barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarevitamin
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine

3.8

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is a gentle, water-soluble vitamin that may help regulate oil production and support skin barrier health, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarevitamin
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Dicaprylate

Pyridoxine Dicaprylate

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly form of vitamin B6 that helps calm skin and support a healthy barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dilaurate

PYRIDOXINE DILAURATE

3.8

A gentle, fat-soluble form of vitamin B6 that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dioctenoate

Pyridoxine Dioctenoate

4.0

A gentle, fat-soluble form of vitamin B6 that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dipalmitate

Pyridoxine Dipalmitate

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly form of vitamin B6 that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Glycyrrhetinate

Pyridoxine Glycyrrhetinate

4.0

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that pairs vitamin B6 with a licorice root compound to help calm redness and support skin comfort.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Hydroxybenzoate

Pyridoxine Hydroxybenzoate

3.8

A gentle, stabilized vitamin B6 derivative that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Hydroxycitrate

Pyridoxine Hydroxycitrate

3.8

A gentle antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy glow, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Pyridoxine Salicylate

Pyridoxine Salicylate

3.8

A gentle exfoliating ingredient that combines vitamin B6 with salicylic acid to help smooth skin and reduce redness.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Serinate

Pyridoxine Serinate

3.8

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that combines vitamin B6 with serine to help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Tripalmitate

PYRIDOXINE TRIPALMITATE

4.0

A stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin B6 that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate

Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin B6 derivative that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridyloxide T-Butylnitrone

Pyridyloxide T-Butylnitrone

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from oxidative stress, but human skincare research is still emerging.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Pyroglutamyl Dipeptide-30 Amide

Pyroglutamyl Dipeptide-30 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Fragrance

Pyroligneous Acid Ethyl Esters

PYROLIGNEOUS ACIDS ETHYL ESTERS

3.5

A natural fragrance ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits, but limited research and a moderate risk of skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pyroligneous Acid Extract

PYROLIGNEOUS ACIDS EXTRACTS

3.8

A natural wood-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Pyrophyllite

PYROPHYLLITE

3.5

Pyrophyllite is a gentle clay that helps absorb excess oil and improve product texture, but its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pyrosia Hastata Extract

Pyrrosia Hastata Extract

3.8

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Anti-hair loss agent

Pyrrolidinyl Diaminopyrimidine Oxide

PYRROLIDINYL DIAMINOPYRIMIDINE OXIDE

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that may help slow hair thinning by reducing collagen buildup around hair follicles, but results vary and it works best as part of a comprehensive hair care routine.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyhaircareactive
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

3.8

PQQ is a potent antioxidant that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support cellular energy, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

Disodium Pyrroloquinolinequinone Tricarboxylate

3.8

PQQ is a cutting-edge antioxidant that may help energize skin cells and fight signs of aging, but research in topical skincare is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Allyl Ester

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Allyl Ester

3.5

An experimental antioxidant derivative with limited cosmetic research; promising in theory but not yet proven in everyday skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Pyruvic Acid

Pyruvic Acid

3.8

Pyruvic acid is a potent exfoliant similar to AHAs, but it may be less irritating for some skin types while still improving texture and acne.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Abrasive

Quartz

QUARTZ

3.0

Quartz can provide gentle physical exfoliation, but its sharp edges may irritate sensitive skin if not finely milled.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Quassia Wood Powder

QUASSIA AMARA WOOD POWDER

3.8

Quassia Wood Powder is a gentle botanical astringent that may help calm skin and reduce excess oil, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Quassin

Quassin

3.8

Quassin is a plant-derived compound with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Quaternium-14

Quaternium-14

3.0

Quaternium-14 is an effective preservative and antistatic agent, but its potential for skin irritation means it is best suited for rinse-off products.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Quaternium-15

Quaternium-15

2.5

Quaternium-15 is an effective preservative but controversial due to its formaldehyde-releasing nature, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-16

Quaternium-16

3.8

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause buildup with frequent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Quaternium-18 Bentonite

QUATERNIUM-18 BENTONITE

3.8

A safe, modified clay that improves product texture and stability without major skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Quaternium-18 Hectorite

Quaternium-18 Hectorite

4.0

A safe, non-irritating thickener that gives makeup and skincare a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic ingredient
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-18 Methosulfate

Quaternium-18 Methosulfate

3.8

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but may be too heavy for fine or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-22

Quaternium-22

4.0

Quaternium-22 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves feel in hair and skin products, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-24

Quaternium-24

4.0

Quaternium-24 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-27

Quaternium-27

3.5

Quaternium-27 is a mild conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and reduce static, but it may not suit very fine or easily weighed-down hair types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-30

Quaternium-30

3.8

Quaternium-30 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static in hair while adding a silky feel, but it may not suit those avoiding silicones or heavy polymers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-33

Quaternium-33

3.5

Quaternium-33 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin or clog pores in some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-43

Quaternium-43

3.5

Quaternium-43 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve hair manageability, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehair care
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-45

Quaternium-45

3.8

Quaternium-45 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-51

Quaternium-51

3.8

Quaternium-51 is a gentle synthetic conditioner that helps reduce static and improve the feel of hair and skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-52

Quaternium-52

3.8

Quaternium-52 is a gentle synthetic conditioner that reduces frizz and static without heavy buildup, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-53

Quaternium-53

3.8

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce flyaways without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-56

Quaternium-56

3.8

Quaternium-56 is a synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and improves hair feel, but its benefits are mostly cosmetic and temporary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-60

Quaternium-60

3.8

Quaternium-60 is a synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and improves manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation for most users.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-61

Quaternium-61

3.8

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-63

Quaternium-63

4.0

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce frizz without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic agent

Quaternium-70

Quaternium-70

3.5

Quaternium-70 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static in hair, but it may not suit those with very fine or easily weighed-down hair.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-71

Quaternium-71

3.8

Quaternium-71 is a gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-72

Quaternium-72

3.5

Quaternium-72 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation for most users.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Quaternium-73

Quaternium-73

3.5

Quaternium-73 is a synthetic preservative booster that helps keep rinse-off products fresh, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-75

Quaternium-75

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that reduces frizz and static without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Conditioning Agent

Quaternium-76 Hydrolyzed Collagen

Quaternium-76 Hydrolyzed Collagen

3.8

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with mild film-forming benefits for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-77

Quaternium-77

3.5

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce frizz and static in hair, but may not suit all hair types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Quaternium-78

Quaternium-78

3.8

A gentle synthetic conditioner that reduces static and smooths hair without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review